Christmas with b!!

This Christmas was quite dfferent indeed, but was made special by a sweet friend. I was able to visit with my friend Lil' b in the place she's called home for over a year now. It was so nice to catch up, and to get a glimpse of her life on this side of the world. She was so gracious to take me around- to see the Taj Mahal, meet her teammates and neighbors, and just enjoy the holidays together. (She even let me be a hammock hog AND get in a run at their park!) Lots of movies were watched and hot beverages consumed...it was great! It's amazing how He uses the Family, no matter where, to bless and encourage. Thanks, Lil' b!!






The train ride to the Taj. It was a great 'cultural' experience- as was most of what I encountered there! :)


I think if you shake it a bit, it'll start back up...


We got to spend some time in the park with the kiddos. (But I didn't join in on this game... we named it 'tackle')




She's got some great sisters over there. I'm so glad I got to hang out with them.


Of course, L and I had to give her a little Middle Eastern spice for the holidays!

Thailand (with Restaurant Guide...)

We found green grass!!



We started each morning off right...with bacon.






Our driver, Johnny Depp, got down to take our picture. You should ask L about the rubber tree seminar we received.



We had to say goodbye to the beach, but the big city was waiting for us...



Culture shock.



We got around by 'Tut-tut' rides once we got into Bangkok. Good thing we're already used to reckless driving/riding.



My roomie is cool.



I think they heard we were coming. The sandwich of the day was Ham. :)



This one Outback burger (yet again, with bacon) won the 'Meal of the Trip' award. Hands down.



L learned the appropriate Thai greeting from Ronald.



Until next time, Ronald.

August Rush

I can't believe August has now come and gone- It's been a full and exciting time. Here's some photos of Jtro's visit here and our vacation.


I still can't believe she made it! Jtro, you're the coolest.




I think she became fond of the food here, but maybe not the large amounts of it put in front of her! :)


This Beauty may look familiar. She's my friend's g-ma from the village. She was visiting the city, so Jtro got the privilege of meeting her, in all her spunk.


Jtro's new little friend.


After showing her around these parts, we headed out to be tourists!




The Nile River... Along with MT, who graciously took two culture-shocked crazies around town.


We even got to ride on the Nile one night!


It was so nice to visit and vacation a bit. It also helped to be in such good company. So much has already happened in returning to life back here. So... more to come soon...

Beach, Bowling, & Boxing

Our latest 'Family' vacation took us to the beach in celebration of a Second Birthday. We're blessed to have a city only a few hours away with some fun things, such as...


Bowling! It had been a while, and I'm afraid my final score showed it.


The Beach.


Plenty of really cool kids.


The Birthday Boy and his new punching bag. The chocolate ice cream left on his face made for a more realistic photo, I think.


I think his parents see potential.


We had to document the foot, just to make Mom proud. :)

Day Tripper

Our leaders are gracious to try and get us out of the city for a break. Our first destination was the "Strange Tree" a few hours away. Yet another reminder of how historic this place is.


I thought it would be nice to document some of the gardens (especially for Papa and Malene to enjoy). I even found some willing helpers!





And guess what else the Georgians found...


COTTON!


You never know where you'll find a little piece of home.

Top Ten

I thought you might enjoy a few memories from my time in the village:

10- min. before I left, my friend decides not to go and sends me with her family
9- offers for marriage…from sisters, mothers, cousins…for their fellas.
8- cups of hot tea in one day (all in the name of hospitality)
7- months pregnant lady, who I shared a twin bed with for two nights
6- a.m. breakfast over the fire
5- hrs of sleep the whole trip
4- kids in the village wearing pants (no need for diapers!)
3- times cradled in sickness by a village lady
2- hrs packed in a land cruiser
1- Name worthy of praise through it all!


Back in the City...
The same friend connected to the village was married this month. I stayed at her house the night before the wedding, which gave me the privilege of providing these photos for you. Her husband gave this cow as a gift. I’ll spare you the middle picture, but just know her little sister didn’t mind getting a close-up of the process…


Before.


After. As it was served to L and I for lunch.

Weekend Getaway

Al'Hamda Allah! (Praise Him!) What a way to spend the 'Day of Love'.


We were glad to have the kids along for the ride. It gave us an excuse to act like kids ourselves.


This made for some nice walks.


It was good to spend time 'away', but I am glad to be back at language and visiting. Thanks again for all ya'll do!